You can live safely in the woods, if you take some simple steps to protect your family and home. It is YOUR responsibility to protect yourself and your family.

Access Road Not Named!

If the road leading to your home is not identified, emergency services personnel may not be able to easily find it when you call for help. Have a sign posted with the name of the road at a place where people can easily see it.

House Number Not Posted!

If your civic address is not clearly posted, the emergency services personnel may have to go house to house to find you. Post the house number in reflective numerals where it can be easily seen from the road.

Island Property Not Posted!

If you have a cottage that is boat access only, you should post your Civic address in reflective numbers at the end of your dock where it can be easily seen from the water.

Driveway Is Steep and Narrow!

If the driveway is steep and narrow, emergency vehicles may not be able to gain quick access to the house. For fire department vehicle access, entrances must have a clear width not less than 4 m, and an overhead clearance not less than 4 m.

Brush or Vegetation Around Your Home or Cottage!

The first 10 metres of space around your home is your “First Priority”. A good fuel free space gives firefighters a better chance to save your home or cottage from an advancing fire. Remove any shrubs, trees, deadfall or woodpiles from this area and keep your grass mowed and watered.

Smoke Alarms!

Install smoke alarms on every storey, and outside all sleeping areas. IT IS THE LAW for all Ontario homes, cottages, cabins and seasonal homes.

CO Detectors!

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